In 1969, Neil Peart attended a concert in Toronto. He came away with a musical mentor

As a teenager, Neil Peart saw The Who perform in Toronto in 1969 and was struck by Keith Moon’s energetic, unconventional drumming. Peart later described Moon as a musical mentor whose example helped him see new possibilities in playing the drums.

Peart said Moon’s approach gave him a sense of freedom, including the use of crash cymbals during a roll. Although Peart later developed a more disciplined, technically grounded style while playing in Rush, he credited Moon with encouraging his creativity; he recalled friends wondering whether he could match Moon’s stamina after the concert.